Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Alberta to Visit Today

dog running on the beach

Alberta is known for its spectacular views of the Rockies and an abundance of natural areas that are perfect for exploring with a dog. However, there aren’t many beaches that will accept your furry friend, though there are plenty of dog parks throughout the province. So, here are the best spots near rivers, lakes, or the ocean that allow dogs on or off a leash, so you and your pup can enjoy the beautiful outdoors together!

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

The Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Alberta, Canada

1. Three Mile Bend

️Address: 8649+FF, 76 St, Red Deer, AB T4P 3R6, Canada
Open Times: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Nice recreation park with paved walking paths along the Red Deer River
  • Perfect place to walk your pup off leash and have a picnic with the family
  • You and your dog can cool off in the ponds on hot summer days
  • Kid-friendly and public restrooms near picnic areas
  • Watch out for wildlife (beavers, moose) when walking your dog

2. Lake Edith and Lake Annette

️Address: Lake Annette Rd, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada
Open Times: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in the designated area
  • Two beautiful crystal-clear lakes separated by a short boardwalk in Jasper National Park
  • Designated beach areas on Lake Edith and Lake Annette where your pup can roam freely
  • Enough room to admire the beauty of the landscape without being disturbed
  • There are picnic areas, fire pits, grills, and a playground near Lake Annette
  • Plenty of parking and trails that lead to the lakes

3. Boat Launch Park

️Address: Alberta Beach, AB T0E 0A0, Canada
Open Times: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Located in the heart of the downtown hamlet of Alberta Beach
  • A few algae problems can make swimming less appealing for you, but probably not for your dog!
  • Excellent place for playing water sports, picnicking, fishing, and spending time with the family
  • Plenty of room to play and walk your dog on a leash

4. Lacombe Lake

️Address: 151 McKenney Ave, St. Albert, AB T8N 2T7, Canada
Open Times: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Nice lake to swim in and a great place for the pups to run around
  • The area is well lit so you can prolong your summer evenings in complete safety
  • Fenced dog park near the pond to let your pup run freely
  • Dedicated area for small dogs on one side of the lake

5. Devonshire Beach

️Address: 2M0, Range Rd 55, Widewater, AB T0G 2M0, Canada
Open Times: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Superb and vast lake with warm waters
  • Smooth, clean sandy beach around the lake
  • Only a 15-minute drive from the town of Widewater
  • Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times

6. Hermitage Park

️Address: 2115 Hermitage Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T5A 5H5, Canada
Open Times: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Scenic little park next to the Yellowhead Trail in Edmonton
  • Access to water where you can fish and cool off
  • Your dog must be well-behaved if you leave them off leash, as there is no fence
  • Plenty of parking and restrooms available

7. Sandy Beach River Access

️Address: Calgary, AB T2S 0Z8, Canada
Open Times: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, from September to May
  • Great place in Calgary by the river to take your dog on a hot summer day
  • Friendly locals and plenty of doggies to socialize with your dog
  • Not too crowded and plenty of parking spaces
  • Shallow waters are ideal for introducing your puppy to swimming

8. Sue Higgins Park

️Address: Southland Drive SE &, Deerfoot Trail, Calgary, AB T2J 1S1, Canada
Open Times: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Large riverside park with plenty of people and their doggies (but not always well-behaved ones)
  • Well-maintained with plenty of trash bins
  • Good place to let your dog roam freely, as the whole park is fenced
  • You can let your dog run in the river to cool off

9. Gull Lake Sandy Beach

️Address: Gull Lake, AB T0C 0J0, Canada
Open Times: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free, but there’s a parking fee
Off-Leash: No
  • Long stretch of clean, sandy beach on the north side of Gull Lake
  • Dogs must stay on a leash, even in the water
  • Great place to enjoy a quick dip in the shallow waters of the small lake

10. Newcastle Beach

️Address: Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y0, Canada
Open Times: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in the designated off-leash area
  • Great place to try paddleboarding with your pup
  • Rocky beach along the river with calm and shallow waters
  • Small, fenced dog park to let your pet run wild and free!
  • Bathrooms and free showers at the entrance of the beach

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Conclusion

Alberta is one of the best places to be outdoors with your four-legged friend. There are numerous parks and trails, along with lakes, rivers, and a few beaches, across the province that are perfect for exploring with your pup. If you have a dog that loves the water, we definitely recommend heading to any of the designated off-leash areas to let them play, swim, and explore their surroundings. But remember that your dog must be under your supervision and control at all times.

See Also:


Featured Image Credit: Marina Hobbs, Pixabay

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

9 Best Puppy Foods for Australian Shepherds in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Every puppy is different, and Australian Shepherds have their own quirks. These large, active dogs need a lot of nutrition to keep them...

Is Aloe Vera Toxic to Dogs? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

As pet parents, we are often worried about the things we have around our canine pals. While we all love having plants in...

How Long Does It Take to Spay a Dog? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Spaying your dog is a big decision; although common, it’s a major surgery. However, it’s ideal for most dogs since it prevents unwanted...

What’s the Difference Between a Dachshund, Dotson, and Doxin?

Several dog breeds have a few nicknames to describe them. So many have nicknames that it can get a bit confusing when you...

More related

Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Be Left Alone? Facts & Vet-Approved Tips to Help

Bernese Mountain dogs are large dogs that make great pets, but if you don’t have someone at home to keep them company when...

10 Best Dog Foods for Tear Stains in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Your dog could have tear stains for many reasons, including food intolerances. According to the American Kennel Club, some dogs see a reduction...

Can Dogs Eat Swiss Chard? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Risks

Swiss chard seems safe to share with your dog, but the colorful stalks might concern you. Well, your first instinct was right. Swiss...

Dogs and Cats Getting Along: One Big Happy Family

Hi, I’m Dr. Maja! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two crossbreed dogs, Lava and Hela. Dogs and cats...

Keep reading

Raw vs Cooked Dog Food: Vet-Reviewed Pros, Cons & What to Choose

One of the most common questions that people ask when it comes to their dogs is what kind of food to feed them. There is a great deal of debate regarding raw versus cooked dog food. Some people believe that...

Dogster_Raw VS Cooked Food

Is Sportmix Dog Food Made in the USA? What You Need to Know

Sportmix dog and cat food are manufactured by Midwestern Pet Foods, a subsidiary of Nunn Milling Company, Inc. This is a fourth-generation, family-owned business that started in 1926 in Evansville, Indiana. All Sportmix pet food formulas are made exclusively in...

pouring dog food in food bowl

10 Best Dog Foods for Yeast Infections in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Dogs can suffer from yeast infections similar to humans. Dogs, regardless of their gender, breed, or age can develop a yeast infection at some point due to certain sensitivities, allergies, or a diet high in carbs or sugar. If your...

Labrador dog eating

Purina Pro Plan vs. Kirkland Dog Food: Pros, Cons & What to Choose

Trying to choose the right dog food can be an overwhelming experience. Comparing ingredient lists, calories, nutrition tables, and flavors seems like a never-ending, confusing battle. You want to give your dog the best food possible, but it’s difficult to...

Dogster_Dog Food Purina Pro Plan VS Kirkland

Cat Food vs Dog Food: The Main Differences

Many people have both dogs and cats in their homes. With the high cost of pet food, some owners are starting to wonder what the differences are between dog and cat food and if both animals can eat the same...

Cat Food VS Dog Food

10 Best Dog Food Toppers in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

Providing nutritious food and treats for your canine is vital for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. High-quality meals were once a niche market, but now, premium brand companies enjoy record sales. Although high-end pet food is typically produced with fewer fillers...

cute corgi dog eating dry dog food

Is Corn in Dog Food Bad? Vet Approved Ingredient Guide

Corn is a controversial ingredient that is used in a lot of commercial dog foods. It is very much a normal dog food ingredient in grain-inclusive diets and has been for quite some time. In fact, according to The Institute...

lots of corn

Can Dogs Eat Pineapple? Vet-Verified Facts & Health Benefits

Luckily, because our canines are omnivores, just like us, we can enjoy many of the same foods. There are quite a few food items that are interchangeable. So, since you likely know that you can share quite a few fruits,...

Can Dogs Eat Pineapple